Abstract: A method is provided for creating or evolving a virtual environment with a computer system. Steps of the method include: forming a plurality of layers of data, including a first layer and a second layer, each layer including a plurality of cells containing data corresponding to a variable; operating on the data from the cells in the first layer with a function to yield target data; distributing the target data to corresponding cells in the second layer; and altering the data in at least one of the plurality of cells in each layer according to a rule.

Abstract: When a game operation image is displayed on a touch panel of a portable terminal, the size of a game display screen and the operation image are small and therefore the progress of a game becomes difficult. Even in the case of a terminal having only a touch panel of a limited size, an operation image having a size that affects the progress of a game as little as possible is displayed on the touch panel by superimposing the operation image on a game display screen at a position that affects the progress of the game as little as possible.

Abstract: A processor provides a simulated three-dimensional (3D) environment for a game or virtual reality (VR) experience, including controlling a characteristic parameter of a 3D object or character based on at least one of: an asynchronous event in a second game, feedback from multiple synchronous users of the VR experience, or on a function driven by one or variables reflecting a current state of at least one of the 3D environment, the game or the VR experience. In another aspect, a sensor coupled to an AR/VR headset detects an eye convergence distance. A processor adjusts a focus distance for a virtual camera that determines rendering of a three-dimensional (3D) object for a display device of the headset, based on at least one of the eye convergence distance or a directed focus of attention for the at least one of the VR content or the AR content.

Abstract: A method for modeling a virtual identity in a digital media system is disclosed. A plurality of categories are defined according to identity characteristics of a virtual identity. A degree of a membership is modeled in a category for members of the category, wherein each category includes a plurality of features. Changes to membership are simulated, wherein the degree of membership includes a gradient value in a category feature over time.

Abstract: A game system in which virtual representations of real-world, physical objects may be designed or modified by game players within a virtual game universe. Real-world physical interactions of the virtual objects may be simulated by a game engine during game play within the game universe. Performance data may be collected for the virtual objects that simulates real-world performance data for corresponding physical objects. The performance data for the virtual objects may, for example, be used in evaluating performance of modifications to a physical object, or for comparing performance of two or more physical objects. Production or manufacturing decisions for respective physical objects may be made at least in part based on the performance data collected for the virtual representations of the objects.

Abstract: A method for use in presenting content includes the steps of generating an event in a software program and presenting content to a user in response to the event. The content may reflect one or more real-world events occurring after the software program has been released.

Abstract: System and method for automatic computer aided optical recognition of toys, for example, construction toy elements, recognition of those elements on digital images and associating the elements with existing information is presented. The method and system may recognize toy elements of various sizes invariant of toy element distance from the image acquiring device for example camera, invariant of rotation of the toy element, invariant of angle of the camera, invariant of background, invariant of illumination and without the need of predefined region where a toy element should be placed. The system and method may detect more than one toy element on the image and identify them. The system is configured to learn to recognize and detect any number of various toy elements by training a deep convolutional neural network.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method assigns one or more trophies to a user. A game is emulated in response to a request from a client device. A trophy trigger is detected during emulation of the game by comparing a current program counter value to a predetermined value and comparing a stored instruction in an instruction storage location to a predetermined instruction when the current program counter value matches the predetermined counter value. The one or more trophies are assigned to a user account that is associated with the user when the current program counter value matches the predetermined value and the instruction in the instruction storage location matches the predetermined instruction.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes computer program instructions, which when executed by an information processing system, cause the information processing system to: store a plurality of game media in association with each of a plurality of players, the game media each having a plurality of parameters; place a first of the plurality of game media in a predetermined area among areas of a field, based on an operation by a first player, in association with a state of first parameter indicating that a first parameter among the plurality of parameters is valid; and specify one or more specific areas in which is placed a second game medium associated with a different state of parameter indicating that a different parameter, other than the first parameter, is valid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for content processing are described. In one embodiment, gaming data is received from a gaming source server. The gaming data associated with a game. A content signal is received from a signal source during presentation of programming content. The programming content is associated with the content signal and the game. A determination of whether the content signal includes the trigger is made. The device content is presented using the gaming data. The device content is in synchronization with the presentation of the programming content based on a determination that the content signal includes a trigger. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products adapt gaming applications to participants. Should one of the participants be a minor, for example, the gaming application may adapt to scenarios that are appropriate for minors. Similarly, the gaming application may adapt to customs associated with a country of a participant.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for processing replacements to a target array by a plurality of source arrays. Selected tokens in a target array may be replaced with corresponding tokens from a source array to generate a region of identical tokens, which may be processed or removed. Tokens in the target array may be shifted in a direction corresponding to the source array to fill empty cells within the target array and new tokens generated. Selections may be made from multiple source arrays iteratively, with shift directions dynamically modified.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decision making system to assist users/coach in managing a sports team playing a virtual game/real game. The virtual game represents a real sports game received from a media feed. The decision making system includes a user database, a sports database, a decision model module, and a processing unit. The user database stores information about users. The sports database stores information related to each sport, including each game move for each sport, rules and regulations associated with each sport, and updated real-time statistics of each team and each player playing the sport. The decision model module coupled with the sports database, which determines possible game moves from the current on-field state of the real game, further the decision model module calculates a score based on the probability of winning the sports game after each possible game move using statistical information of teams and players, and rules and regulations.

Abstract: A zip track system that is integrally connected to a challenge course so that a user can traverse one portion of the challenge course, and then can slide down the zip track system via a zip track to any other desired location.

Abstract: Emergency egress systems carry multiple riders simultaneously accessing zip line catenary from higher, inaccessible, working locations to lower, safer areas. Hangers above the track line suspend trolleys to avoid weighting the catenary unduly at the high end, which might otherwise alter (reduce) clearance distances and safety of riders above a launch platform (deck). Catenary shape is controlled against approaching a launch deck by sequencing the release from the hangers of each trolley to roll along the catenary with its own rider. Autonomous braking, inter-trolley bumpers, and vertical stabilizers enable each rider to quickly occupy a seat (harness, etc.) and launch onto the track line, unconcerned with riders ahead or behind until underway. Multiple trolleys may thus load, launch, and in close proximity on a single line, regardless of the total weight of multiple riders.

Abstract: A ride vehicle with upright, straddle-type passenger seating that includes a passenger restraint system. This restraint system includes a lap bar assembly and a lap bar pivotal mount element pivotally supporting the lap bar assembly within the vehicle body to pivot about a rotation axis passing through the vehicle body between the seat pan and the front end of the vehicle body. The lap bar assembly may include a lap bar along with side and front leg shields that contain a passenger's legs within the vehicle. The lap bar assembly is rotatable as a unit about the rotation axis, in a forward portion of the vehicle body, from a disengaged position to an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the leg shields are moved forward away from an access to the seat pan, and, in the engaged position, the passenger's legs are blocked from lateral and forward movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toy racetrack having a toy vehicle launching section that, in a first configuration of the racetrack, launches a toy vehicle toward and through the open, central portion of a loop track section, preferably to impact a target, and in a transformed configuration of the racetrack, launches a toy vehicle through the track portion of the loop track section and preferably toward a catch tray. Two loop track sections are pivotably mounted to a tower, and target flags may be pivotably mounted to a loop section mounting block positioned at the top of the tower. Once one of the target flags is struck by a toy vehicle, an internal transformation mechanism is triggered that causes the loop track sections to pivot into a track engaging position in which the loop sections form terminal track portions for the track segments in the launching section of the racetrack.

Abstract: A viewing instrument has an optical module having a first light pathway for conveying visible light reflected from an object to an eye of a user viewing the object; a thermal radiation detecting module having a thermal radiation detector adapted to detect thermal radiation emitted from the object being viewed to thereby generate one or more signals; an aiming module having at least one visible light-emitting member electrically connected with the thermal radiation detecting module, wherein the aiming module is adapted to receive the one or more generated signals from the thermal radiation detecting module, and in response to the received one or more signals, project a visible mark along the first light pathway to the eye of the user. The invention also provides a toy gun having the viewing instrument as described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for remediating one or more impurities (e.g., diacetyl) that are present in manufacturing an alcohol (e.g., ethanol) from cellulosic biomass. The methods and systems include reacting the one or more impurities with at least one treatment compound (e.g., an oxidizing agent, an alkali compound, or a mixture thereof) to form a reaction product that can be separated from the alcohol.

Abstract: A process for recovering processing liquids from a feed stream which contains processing fluid, water, and at least one alkaline earth metal cation. The process includes reacting at least one alkaline earth metal cation with a suitable anion to form a substantially water-insoluble salt precipitate, the precipitate being formed in one of a fractionation column having a forced recycle loop or a flash vessel having a forced heated recycle loop.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the purification of a crude acrylic acid composition containing maleic anhydride as an impurity comprising the following steps: (a) carrying out at least one dynamic melt crystallization stage (14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) with the crude acrylic acid composition to prepare a first purified acrylic acid composition and a first residue containing at least 3.5% by weight maleic anhydride, (b) adding a solvent (26) which is capable of dissolving maleic anhydride to the first residue in an amount that the weight ratio of the solvent to the maleic anhydride is 0.3 or more to prepare a ratio-adjusted residue and (c) carrying out at least one further dynamic melt crystallization stage and/or at least one static melt crystallization stage (18, 18a, 18b) with the ratio-adjusted residue to prepare a second purified acrylic acid composition and a second residue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the purification of steviol glycosides extracted from the dried stevia leaves using continuous simulated moving bed processes and nanofiltration without the addition of organic solvents to obtain a purified steviol product comprising sweet steviol glycosides. The sweet steviol glycosides can be used as substitutes for caloric sweeteners in beverages and in other food items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the application based on alkyl acrylate homopolymers, such as antifoaming agents in crude oils with densities of 10 to 40° API. Evaluation tests in “live” crude oil, under similar gas-liquid separation equipment conditions, showed that these polymers based on alkyl acrylate are effective foaming inhibitors in heavy and super-heavy crude oils, reducing the foam between 15 and 50% faster compared to crude oil without an antifoaming agent. Some acrylics show better performance than commercial silicon-based polymers, which suppress foam 20-25% faster than the blank. The antifoaming agents of this invention, based on alkyl acrylate and totally free of silicon, is an advantageous option, to replace the silicone-based foam inhibitors currently on the market.

Abstract: A filter element has a preferably multilayer structure of a pleated filter medium (3) with a plurality of individual filter pleats (5, 7). Due to an alternating sequence of filter pleats (5) with a first pleat height (h1) and filter pleats (7) with a second pleat height (h2), more effective filter surfaces are available than with filter pleats with a uniform pleat height. Upon throughflow by a fluid to be filtered, a lower surface load for the filter medium (30 and lower passage speed of the fluid are present during filtration. A static loading of the filter medium (3) during operation of the filter is then reduced. A hydraulic circuit has such a filter element (1).

Abstract: Filter assembly for a liquid medium comprising a two-piece filter housing having a first and a second housing part with a first and second end wall respectively, surrounded by a circumferential wall, said housing parts accommodating in the space defined between the end walls three layers of filter material, and with a spacer in-between having an open structure with upstanding ribs defining chambers there between and having two end planes which define abutment planes for two layers of filter material and with a passage crosswise to the plane thereof, and with between the second layer of filter material and the second end wall a third layer of filter material, in which all three layers of filter material are discrete layers, the space between the third layer of filter material and the second end wall, and the chambers in the spacer, being in connection to the filter outlet, and the space between the first layer of filter material and the first end wall being connected to the filter inlet.

Abstract: Described herein are filter assemblies for removing high molecular weight organic components from liquefied petroleum gas, as well as methods for removing high molecular weight components from liquefied petroleum gases. The filter assemblies include an upstream carbon-containing filter media pack and a downstream filter media pack.

Abstract: A liquid filter assembly is provided for an appliance. The liquid filter assembly may define an axial direction and a radial direction. The assembly may also include a filter medium, a housing, a pair of end caps, one or more interlocking ring, and/or a leveling tube. The filter medium may extend along the axial direction between a first end and a second end. The filter medium may define an interior passage to receive liquid passed through the filter medium. The housing may be disposed about the filter medium. The housing may define a liquid inlet opposite the first end of the filter medium.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for filtering fuel comprising a filter wall having a tubular conformation, a first support plate fixed to an end of the filter wall and a second support plate fixed to the opposite end of the filter wall, a support core coaxially inserted internally of the filter wall and provided with radial openings for passage of the fuel, in which the support core exhibits, at an upper end thereof, a housing seating of a hydrophobic wall having a tubular shape which is positioned coaxially internally of the core, the hydrophobic wall comprising a support shank, configured such as to be housed in the housing seating and provided with at least a portion of a bypass conduit which enables placing an internal volume of the filter wall in fluid communication with an outlet hole of the cartridge.

Abstract: A filter heater arranged to enclose a filter, wherein said filter heater comprises two similar halves each having a protruding handle on one side, whereby the handles are kept together by a spring mechanism such that pinching the handles towards each other will force the sides of the two halves opposite the handles from each other.

Abstract: A fluid filter device is described, where a flow attachment member provides a unique interface between the filtering element and a filter head. The fluid filter described herein generally provides a flow structure that is localized and sealed. The flow attachment member is configured to communicate fluid into and out of the fluid filter, and is configured to localize fluid flow both into and out of the fluid filter within a separating structure of the flow attachment member. The flow attachment member further includes a seal structure configured to substantially prevent or at least confine leakage to a localized area away from proximity of the edges of the housing.

Abstract: [Problems] An object of the present invention is to provide an electret with an initial increased electrostatic charge quantity and suppressed attenuation of electrostatic charge to liquid particles. [Means for solving] The electret is obtained by depositing polytetrafluoroethylene having a melting point of 35° C. or higher and 320° C. or lower on a carrier and imparting an electrostatic charge to at least one of the carrier and the polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A device for introducing fluid medium into a container, the device including a container for receiving the medium and a pipeline for introducing the medium into the interior of the container. The pipeline has a pipeline section arranged in the interior of the container having a hollow cylindrical casing that extends along a cylinder axis of the pipeline section. The casing has an opening on a lower face that faces downward for introducing the fluid medium into the interior of the container. The opening includes two first edge portions extending along the cylinder axis and two opposing arc-shaped second edge portions that connect the two first edge portions to each other. A plate-shaped impact element is fixed to the casing and arranged below the opening so that the fluid medium that flows out of the opening strikes the impact element.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an air intake duct. The duct includes louvers forming an air inlet to a housing. Each louver includes an inlet section and an angled section, the angled section inclined with respect to the inlet section. The duct includes the housing positioned downstream of the louvers in an air flow direction. The housing includes a drain configured to permit separated water from an intake air passing through the louvers and into the housing to be drained from the housing. The duct includes an inner inlet duct that provides the intake air to a component. The inner inlet duct extends into the housing and positioned downstream of the louvers in the air flow direction. The inlet duct extends above the drain by a distance thereby forming a well in the housing between a top of the inner inlet duct and the drain.

Abstract: A cam lock system for an air intake filter housing is provided that includes a clevis rod adapted for connection to a bolt on the air intake filter housing; a cam handle; a filter clamp coupled to the cam handle, the filter clamp having one or more cam surfaces thereon, the cam handle and filter clamp pivotally connected to a first end of the clevis rod; a spring carrier disposed at the second end of the clevis rod; and a spring disposed on the clevis rod and restrained between the spring carrier and a washer disposed on the clevis rod. The cam surface engages the washer and pivotal movement of the cam handle and filter clamp causes compression of the spring via the washer to provide clamping force to secure an air filter element in the air intake filter housing.

Abstract: A liquid separator comprises a vessel with an inlet for a liquid/gas mixture. The vessel defines a space sealed at the top by means of a lid in which is situated an outlet to discharge treated gas. A shield is provided in the space extending around the outlet as of the lid, and a filter element provided within the shield. An outlet zone is defined between the shield and the filter element, wherein the outlet zone is in connection with the outlet. The shield comprises a bottom wall with at least one inlet opening and connection means for attaching the filter element onto the bottom wall. The connection means is configured such that the filter element, in a mounted condition, extends around the inlet opening as from the bottom wall, within a chamber defined by the shield, the lid and the bottom wall.

Abstract: An air filter arrangement incorporates a replaceable pleated air filter element which is installed in a rectangular frame. The air filter element is collapsible by flattening together the pleats and placed in an opening in the frame and thereafter stretched apart to extend across the space opposite frame sides and held in that position, by a magnetic element on the end pleat at either end of the air filter element. Sealing pads made of a material similar to the filter element panels are secured to the other two opposite frame sides which engage respective opposite ends of the air filter element for reducing air flow around the pleat ends. A planar lattice restraint is held in a perimeter slot extending around the frame opening to prevent contact of the air filter element and the lattice restraint to minimize the risk of holes being torn in the filter element by such contact.

Abstract: A rigid support is disposed in a filtration media element. A first gas-permeable filtration media layer is disposed in an overlapping orientation with a second gas-permeable filtration media layer. The first and second layers define a void in which the support is disposed. The first layer is attached to the second layer near opposing edges of the first and second layers and at an attachment termination point substantially centrally located on the filtration media element. The filtration media element has a first media end and an opposite, second media end. The support has a first support portion that extends from the first media end toward the attachment termination point. The support has second and third support portions that extend from the first support portion toward the second media end with a gap between the second and third support portions in which the attachment termination point is disposed.

Abstract: A filter element for fluids, including: a filter bellows made of a filter medium, the filter medium placed in the filter bellows along pleated edges in a zig-zag shape, in pleats that extend between opposite end edges of the filter bellows; wherein an end pleat having a pleated edge and an opposite free end margin is arranged on each opposite end face of the filter bellows, pleated edges that are consecutive along an end edge of a pleat end at opposite surfaces of the filter bellows; wherein a segment of one of the end edges extends obliquely to one of the pleated edges in such a manner that, in the one segment, the pleated edges on a first one of the opposite surfaces have a different length than the pleated edges of an opposite one of the opposite surfaces; and wherein the pleats are laterally sealed by the end edges.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element having a central winding frame and a length of fluted filter material wound about the frame with the flutes of the media oriented substantially longitudinally, to thereby provide for filtration of a flow of fluid passing axially through the filter element. The winding frame is a substantially open, truss-like structure, having a smooth outer periphery and an axially extending winding feature to facilitate pulling the media into intimate contact with the smooth outer periphery during fabrication of the filter element. A leading edge of the filter media is anchored to a leading edge of the frame by a length of tape.

Abstract: A breather including desiccant for humidity control includes an electronic end of life detection system. A temperature sensor and humidity sensor provide a temperature and humidity of the desiccant to a controller. The controller determines the relative humidity of the desiccant. The controller determines that the desiccant, and thus breather, has reached its end of life (i.e., end of useful life) when the relative humidity reaches a predetermined relative humidity (e.g., 40%). Optionally, a pressure sensor provides a pressure of the reservoir to the controller. The controller determines a fault condition or end of life condition of the breather when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A CO2 recovery unit includes a CO2 absorber in which a gas containing CO2 contacts a CO2-absorbing solution that absorbs the CO2 in the gas; a CO2-absorbing solution regenerator that heats the CO2-absorbing solution that has absorbed the CO2, releases the CO2 from the CO2-absorbing solution, and regenerates the CO2-absorbing solution; and at least one of a CO2 recovery rate controller that controls a difference between an actual measured value and a target value of a recovery rate of the CO2 to be within a predetermined range; and a CO2 recovery amount controller that controls a difference between an actual measured value and a target value of a recovery amount of CO2 to be within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A CO2 recovery device includes: a CO2 absorption tower in which CO2 included in an exhaust gas is absorbed by a CO2 absorption liquid; and a CO2 absorption liquid regeneration tower that heats and regenerates the CO2 absorption liquid that has absorbed CO2. The CO2 absorption liquid regeneration tower includes: a main body part in which the CO2 absorption liquid is temporarily stored; a boot part provided downward from a tank end of the main body part, having a relatively smaller capacity than the main body part; a flowmeter provided to the boot part, and measuring the liquid surface level of the CO2 absorption liquid that changes between the main body part and the boot part; and a control device controlling the liquid surface level of the CO2 absorption liquid between the main body part and the boot part on the basis of the measurement result of the flowmeter.

Abstract: A method for separating carbon dioxide from a gas flow, in particular from a flue gas flow, where a gas flow is brought in contact with a scrubbing medium in an absorber of a separating device and carbon dioxide contained in the gas flow is separated, the loaded scrubbing medium is fed to a desorber of the separating device in order to release the carbon dioxide, a vapor flow is drawn from the desorber and is fed to a cooling device in order to form condensate, and the condensate formed in the cooling device is at least partially fed to a purifying device, in which degradation products contained in the condensate are removed by reverse osmosis and/or by an ion exchanger. A separating device is adapted for separating carbon dioxide from a gas flow.

Abstract: Method of decarbonating a hydrocarbon gas, a natural gas for example, by washing with a solvent. Said gas is contacted with an absorbent solution so as to obtain a CO2-depleted gas and a CO2-laden absorbent solution. The CO2-laden absorbent solution is then heated and expanded at a predetermined pressure and temperature so as to release a hydrocarbon-containing gaseous fraction and to obtain a hydrocarbon-depleted absorbent solution, said pressure and temperature being so selected that said gaseous fraction comprises at least 50% of the hydrocarbons contained in said CO2-laden absorbent solution and at most 35% of the CO2 contained in said CO2-laden absorbent solution. Finally, the hydrocarbon-depleted absorbent solution is thermally regenerated so as to release a CO2-rich gaseous effluent and to obtain a regenerated absorbent solution.

Abstract: Systems and processes for treating acid gas from a sour gas stream are provided. A chemical looping combustion (CLC) process is provided that uses CaCO3 to capture sulfur from the acid gas and produce CaSO4. An acid gas treatment unit may receive an acid gas from an acid gas removal unit and produce the CaSO4 and various gas and air streams for use in heat exchangers for steam production. The acid gas treatment unit may include a fuel reactor, an oxidizer reactor, and a calciner reactor. Another acid gas treatment unit may include a fuel reactor that includes the calciner function and an oxidizer reactor. A selective membrane module may be disposed between the sour gas stream and an acid gas removal unit to produce a H2S and CO2 permeate that is mixed with the acid gas stream provided to the acid gas treatment unit.

Abstract: A method for continuously removing carbon dioxide vapor from a carrier gas is disclosed. This method includes, first, causing direct contact of the carrier gas with a liquid mixture in a separation chamber, the carrier gas condensing at a lower temperature than the carbon dioxide vapor. A combination of chemical effects cause the carbon dioxide to condense, complex, or both condense and complex with the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a flue gas involves feeding the flue gas and a lean solvent to an absorber. The method further involves reacting the flue gas with the lean solvent within the absorber to generate a clean flue gas and a rich solvent. The method also involves feeding the clean flue gas from the absorber and water from a source, to a wash tower to separate a stripped portion of the lean solvent from the clean flue gas to generate a washed clean flue gas and a mixture of the water and the stripped portion of the lean solvent. The method further involves treating at least a portion of the mixture of the water and the stripped portion of the lean solvent via a separation system to separate the water from the stripped portion of the lean solvent.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for gas denitration, involving first the use of an oxidizing agent to oxidize NO in a gas to NO2, then using a denitration agent to absorb the NO2 in the gas, thus achieving the purpose of denitration.

Abstract: A method of increasing the overall mass transfer rate of acid gas scrubbing solids is disclosed. Various catalyst compounds for that purpose are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytic activation layer for use in oxygen-permeable membranes, which can comprise at least one porous structure formed by interconnected ceramic oxide particles that conduct oxygen ions and electronic carriers, where the surface of said particles that is exposed to the pores is covered with nanoparticles made from a catalyst, the composition of which corresponds to the following formula: A1-x-yBxCyOR where: A can be selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, lanthanide metals and combinations thereof; B and C are metals selected from Al, Ga, Y, Se, B, Nb, Ta, V, Mo, W, Re, Mn, Sn, Pr, Sm, Tb, Yb, Lu and combinations of same; and A must always be different from B. 0.01<x<0.5; 0<y<0.3.